The Pac-12 conference made a significant move in expanding its membership by poaching four Mountain West schools to join Oregon State and Washington State. Boise State, San Diego State, Colorado State, and Fresno State have all been accepted as new members of the Pac-12, with their official start date set for July 1, 2026. This decision comes as the Pac-12 aims to solidify its position and maintain its status as a leading brand in intercollegiate athletics.
Pac-12 Expansion
The addition of these four Mountain West schools to the Pac-12 represents a strategic move by the conference to strengthen its membership and enhance its competitiveness. Boise State, San Diego State, Colorado State, and Fresno State are considered some of the top brands in the Mountain West and have all been previously considered for power-conference membership. By bringing these schools into the Pac-12, the conference is bolstering its overall profile and positioning itself for future success.
Pac-12 commissioner Teresa Gould expressed her excitement about the new additions, stating, “For over a century, the Pac-12 Conference has been recognized as a leading brand in intercollegiate athletics. We will continue to pursue bold cutting-edge opportunities for growth and progress, to best serve our member institutions and student-athletes.” The inclusion of these four schools marks the beginning of an exciting new era for the Pac-12 Conference.
Financial Implications
Acquiring four new schools in a one-year period comes with a significant financial cost, estimated at approximately $113 million. However, the Pac-12’s existing resources, including a substantial war chest of $250 million, will help offset this expense. The conference’s ability to leverage its financial resources demonstrates its commitment to investing in its future and ensuring its long-term success.
The decision to expand with Mountain West schools also highlights the Pac-12’s strategic approach to rebuilding as a power-level league. By adding these new members, the conference is positioning itself to meet the NCAA’s requirements for FBS conference consideration and enhance its competitiveness on a national scale. The long-term goal of expansion is to strengthen the Pac-12’s position within the college sports landscape and solidify its status as a premier athletic conference.
Future Plans
With the addition of Boise State, San Diego State, Colorado State, and Fresno State, the Pac-12 now needs to add two more programs to reach the NCAA’s eight-school threshold for FBS conference status. The conference will be looking to identify top-quality programs that align with its vision and values to further enhance its membership. While Stanford and Cal are locked into ACC grant of rights agreements, the Pac-12 will explore opportunities to bring in other high-caliber teams from across the country.
Finding a lucrative television partner will also be crucial for the Pac-12’s future success. Securing a strong media rights deal will provide the conference with the financial resources needed to support its expansion efforts and elevate its standing within the college sports landscape. By attracting top-tier programs and securing a favorable television partnership, the Pac-12 aims to strengthen its position as a premier athletic conference and enhance its competitiveness on a national level.
In conclusion, the Pac-12’s decision to expand with Mountain West schools represents a strategic move to strengthen its membership and enhance its competitiveness. By adding Boise State, San Diego State, Colorado State, and Fresno State to its ranks, the conference is positioning itself for future success and solidifying its status as a leading brand in intercollegiate athletics. With a focus on financial stability, competitive excellence, and strategic growth, the Pac-12 is poised to thrive in the years ahead.